By 2009, years of under-maintenance were catching up on the Old Library, and it became too expensive to continue operations, so library services in Erith moved to another location, and the Old Library closed down.
After lying derelict for seven years, a group of local residents began imagining how it could be used to do something amazing again, promoting the town’s bright future as a place where people can get inventive, be creative, and make things better for Erith. The Exchange was born as an idea, and since then the building has been transformed into a thriving community hub once again.
The pictures below show what the building looked like before the two-stage renovations (2017); during the works (2018 to 2021); and what it looks like today. The building works were a partnership project with Bexley Council with Robin Lee Architects leading on the design work; the works were made possible through funding from National Lottery Heritage Fund, London Regeneration Fund, Bexley Council, Power to Change and Architectural Heritage Fund. The garden and greenhouse projects were initiated by The Exchange and local residents working with award-winning Sarah Price Landscapes; they were made possible with funding from Veolia and the Greater London Authority.
images from 2017
The building had been lying derelict since 2009, the roof had failed causing major water ingress resulting in wet and dry mould, there was evidence of vandalism and the ivy had begun to find its way into the building. The Old Library was in a sad state, but the council had secured initial funding to help with the repair and renewal of the building, and The Exchange were appointed to take on the visioning and management of the building.
during construction (phase 1)
Phase 1 works were delivered by Lengards, focusing on making the building watertight and bringing the lower ground floor back into use. After phase 1 was complete, The Exchange was able to open its cafe - The Bookstore - and begin to deliver pop-up events in The Conversation Room and in the semi-useable spaces (they still didn’t have heat or proper light) on the ground floor. This test programme was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Architectural Heritage Fund.
post phase 1
With the building watertight, we were able to start testing a varied programme of events including exhibitions, history talks, garden parties, live music, markets, location hire, craft and garden workshops, and community conversations. We were also able to open The Bookstore, our cafe / restaurant, providing a different kind of food offer for Erith.
DURING CONSTRUCTION (PHASE 2)
The second phase of works were delivered by Harpers, alongside specialist contractors The Mosaic Restoration Company for the building’s mosaic at the main entrance, and Mark Whyman Landscapes and Surrey Ironcroft for the delivery of the garden landscaping and greenhouse. This phase of works brought the entire building back into full use, with the exception of the fit-out work which will be delivered through the community craft workshops alongside local residents.
WHAT THE BUILDING LOOKS LIKE TODAY
